Project SIerra
Project SIerra – A Family and a Future – Reaches Final Target
The final Soroptimist International Quadrennial Project (2007 – 2011), a four year partnership between Soroptimist International and the Charity, Hope and Homes for Children aimed to raise £1million to transform the lives of some of the most deprived women and children in the world.
At the Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland Annual Federation Conference, held in Brighton from 27th – 29th October 2011, it was announced that we had now reached the target
A cheque for £1,000,000 was presented by International President, Alice Wells, to Joe Glackin for Hope and Homes for Children.
Hope and Homes for Children (HHC)
HHC is a charity working in Eastern Europe and African countries. They believe that every child deserves to grow up within the love of a family and the security of a home, so that they can fulfil their potential. During the partnership we aim to:
- Improve the health, self-esteem and life chances of thousands of women and children living in abject poverty
- Promote stability in a post-conflict society by integrating the most vulnerable children and young women into family and community life
- Provide education, training, small business and life skills support so that families can become self-sufficient and support their children
- Build the capacity of local childcare professionals and create models of excellence
The Project had three main components:
- Integrated Child and Family Support
The aim is to support the most vulnerable families – those at risk of breakdown because of the pressures of poverty, illness or death of a parent. Each family will receive an individually tailored support package providing safe and secure housing, healthcare, education and access to income generation.
- Young Mothers
Project SIerra aims to help young mothers estranged from their families due to the stigma of an illegitimate child. The project provides them with school and vocational training along with child care. In addition there are classes on life skills and healthcare. We hope to reintegrate these girls with their families or empower them to become independent members of their communities.
- Street Children
Project SIerra works with children living alone on the streets of Freetown. Children are given counselling, access to healthcare and nutritious meals. The aim is for these children to return to a caring family environment and each child’s family and community are involved in mediating for a safe return to family life and school.
To achieve all of the above HHC works with it’s in-country partners HANCI (Help a Needy Child in Sierra Leone). By involving a local organisation Project SIerra has a better understanding of the culture of the communities with which it works. It is hoped that this model of working in Sierra Leone will be replicated by other NGOs, both in Sierra Leone and other countries.
For further information visit the Project website:
Or, Hope and Homes for Children’s website:
Vocational Skills Training – Bo
